Conference League: Fiorentina 3-1 Panathinaikos: Kean seals quarter-finals

Fiorentina beat Panathinaikos 3-1 at the Stadio Franchi and qualified for the Conference League quarter-finals thanks to goals from Rolando Mandragora, Albert Gudmundsson and Moise Kean.

The Tuscans lost 3-2 in Greece last week but, thanks to a 3-1 home victory, qualified for the Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday.

Mandragora broke the deadlock after just 12 minutes with a rocket from 25 yards, and the goal boosted the home side’s confidence as Fiorentina dominated in the first half.

The Italian midfielder had another chance a few minutes later but saw ex-Fiorentina keeper Bartłomiej Drągowski produce a brilliant save at the near post.

Albert Gudmundsson doubled Fiorentina’s lead at minute 23 after Luca Ranieri had won the ball high up the pitch. The Icelandic striker entered the box and saw his left-footed shot enter the net despite a slight deflection.

Conference League: Fiorentina 3-1 Panathinaikos: Kean seals quarter-finals

Gudmundsson also inspired the following Fiorentina attack with a lovely chip pass for Kean, but the Pana keeper deflected the Italian striker’s shot for a corner kick.

The second half was indeed trickier for the Tuscans, who looked more tired than their opponents. Panathinaikos substitute Fotis Ioannidis had a great impact and collected the visitors’ best chances.

Pietro Comuzzo prevented the Panathinaikos striker from directing a shot towards David de Gea with a sliding tackle inside the box, while Robin Gosens frustrated Tete’s attempt shortly afterwards.

The German defender did the same a few minutes later when he prevented Ioannidis from shooting just a few meters away from De Gea’s goal.

Fiorentina scored the third with Moise Kean, who beat his direct opponent with a flick at the edge of the box and scored all alone in front of Dragowski.

The Greek side bounced back a few minutes later with a naive penalty kick caused by Nicolò Fagioli and converted by Ioannidis.

Tension erupted during the seven minutes of stoppage time, resulting in a red card for Panathinaikos’ Filip Mladenović for a second bookable offence. Fiorentina kept a tight defence in the final minutes and secured a deserved victory.

Raffaele Palladino’s men will meet NK Celje in the quarter-finals.

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90′

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79′

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15

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60′

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69

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55

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90′

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87′

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87′